City Council: Funds set aside for courthouse purchase
“The City Council set aside $525,000 for the possible acquisition of the federal courthouse building, but it wasn’t without reservations.
City Attorney Adam Altman said the funds for the purchase of the courthouse will be used in the eminent domain proceedings, which is scheduled for a hearing Wednesday morning. Altman said a favorable ruling Wednesday will allow the federal court system access to the building immediately and give the city the ability to negotiate a new lease with General Services Administration.
GSA originally owned the building but sold it in 2008 and remained as a tenant leasing space for the federal court, Bureau of Indian Affairs offices, the FBI, the U.S. marshals and the post office. Aberdeen Mayor Mike Levsen said the relationship between the building owner and GSA deteriorated over time, however, and GSA eventually vacated the property.
The city is pursuing eminent domain to retain the federal court services in Aberdeen.”
Sand, Elisa. American News 7 October 2013.